Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival: Chow Down, Drink Up

Summertime just got a whole lot more delicious, thanks to the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival coming to the Washington, D.C. area in June! Hugging the banks of the Potomac River, National Harbor – an upscale, vibrant planned community teeming with residences, shops, a resort and other amenities – is the site of the festival, which promises two days of sticky, boozy fun.

Barbecue (What else?) takes center stage at the event, and it comes in many forms. So whether you’re a pig-picking connoisseur, a smoked-brisket aficionado, a pulled-pork snob or simply an all-around fan of grilled delights, you’ll find something to whet your appetite at the festival.

Not that barbecue will be the only goodie on hand. Bacon lovers will go all weak-kneed at the bacon-tasting station (Mmm . . . bacon!), and big eaters may want to throw their stomachs, er, hats in the ring during the baked-bean-eating contest. What could go wrong? (Shapely festival-goers can enter the Daisy Dukes & Boots competition; it’s all in good fun.)

Folks more excited about drinks than dinner won’t be disappointed, either. True to its name, the festival will devote plenty of space to libations. In fact, 40 different bourbons and 60 beers will be available for sipping and savoring, and the festival’s admission fee entitles you to a commemorative cup and unlimited pours. (Please drink responsibly.)

Of course, the festival isn’t just about sampling spirits and swine – it’s about celebrating everything that goes into making the finest barbecue, distilling the smoothest bourbon and brewing the highest-quality beer. And that means guests will be able to attend seminars where some of the Deep South’s best brewers, distillers and pit masters will offer insight into how they do what they do. Steven Raichlen, author of the popular Barbecue Bible! series, will also be on hand to share his expertise on the world of 'cue.

Playing throughout the two-day event will be fantastic live music, from bluegrass and rock to blues. (If you can’t dance, don’t worry. The bourbon will eventually convince you otherwise.) There will be lots of exhibits to peruse, too, including several devoted to hot sauce and barbecuing accessories. There will even be a cigar tent for those who prefer an after-dinner Cohiba to dessert. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find something here to love!

This year’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival takes place in National Harbor, Md. on June 6-7. Visit BeerAndBourbon.com for more information, or to purchase tickets.